Multistation remotely-controlled phonographic systems



y 7, 1956 R. M. SOMERS EI'AL 2,755,341

MULTISTATION REMOTELY-CONTROLLED PHONOGRAPHIC SYSTEMS Filed April 2,1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 11a r l R r= J'I'Q S 2 2 14' a? 011161: 9 7 5-Francis J. Saffnrd United States MULTISTATION REMOTELY-CONTRQLLEDPHONOGRAPHIC SYSTEMS Application April 2, 1952, Serial No. 280,074

19 Claims. (Cl. 179100.1)

This invention relates especially to phonographic systems wherein theoperator is remote from the machine itself, and more particularly tosuch systems adapted for recording and/or reproducing dictation.

The invention is concerned especially with remotelycontrolledmultistation dictation-recording systems of the type described andclaimed in the pending applications of Richard Kobler, Serial No.204,794, filed January 6, 1951, now Patent No. 2,650,951, grantedSeptember 1, 1953, and Richard M. Somers et al., Serial No. 247,244,filed September 19, 1951, both having common ownership with the presentapplication. This type of remotelycontrolled multistationdictation-recording system is characterized by the use of only fourwires between each remote station and the machine, two of which wiresconstitute a combined communication and control circuit and the othertwo of which are part of the signaling circuit. Further this system ischaracterized by the use of an auxiliary control operable by thecarriage as the same passes a predetermined point in its travel acrossthe record utilized to cause the attendant to change the record when theremote operator puts his handpiece on its usual support after havingpassed that selected point. As is described in the Kobler applicationabovementioned, if this point is in the last half portion of thecarriage range of travel, typically at about a three-quarter point,there will normally be sufiicient recording space left on the record forthe usual dictation period whenever a remote operator picks up hishandpiece to start use of the machine.

In the following description the term station in use is employed to meanthat remote station at which activation of the phonographic system foruse was initiated, and the term use is employed to mean to record and/or to reproduce and to start and stop the machine at will. Also, thephrase activation of the phonographic system for use is herein used tomean such conditioning of the machine as will enable immediatestart-stop operation thereof for recording and/ or reproducing.

An object of our invention is to provide a novel electrical controlsystem for such phonographic machines wherein the aforestated signalingcircuit between stations is utilized also for controlling the operationof the machine.

Another object is to perform dual control functions through suchcombined signaling and control circuits by control of the level ofcurrent therein.

Another object is to use interstation connecting wires in suchphonographic system either for signaling or control purposes dependingupon whether the respective remote station is in use or not.

A more specific object is to provide a circuit between stations of suchremotely-controlled phonographic system, which is used as a signalcircuit to each station not in use and as a control circuit to thestation in use.

A further object is to supply D.-C. or A.-C. power to the remotestations according to whether the stations are in use or not.

atent iQQ A more specific object is to provide each remote station witha circuit connecting it to the phonographic machine which is providedwith alternating signaling current when the station is not in use andwhich is connected automatically to a D.-C. power source and toassociated control devices of the machine as the operator at therespective remote station activates the phonographic system for use.

A further object is to provide a novel form of the aforestated auxiliarycontrol which is operated in response to only a momentary actuation ofthe control element by the carriage.

A further object is to provide an improved auxiliary control system ofthe character mentioned which comprises a relay actuated in response tomomentary operation of a control element in the pathway of the carriageand which has a holding circuit for maintaining the relay in actuatedcondition thereafter until it is released by performance of a specialcontrol operation on the machine.

It is a further object of our invention to provide a novel controlarrangement for phonographic systems of the character described whereinone of the stated four wires leading from each remote station can bejoined selectively with each of the remaining three wires to form threecircuits for communication and control purposes between the machine andthat remote station.

Further objects are to provide a novel control arrangement according tothe last aforestated object wherein (1) the stated one wire of thedifierent circuits is a line of the communication circuit, (2) whereinthe wires of the signal circuit are joined with the stated one wire toform two independent control circuits as the communication circuit isenergized, and (3) wherein concurrent energization of said independentcircuits is adapted to effect an indexing operation.

These and other objects and features of our invention will be apparentfrom the following description and the appended claims.

In the description of our invention reference is had to the accompanyingdrawings, of which:

Figures 1 and 2 are diagrammatic views of circuits and apparatus ofmultistation remotely-controlled phonographic systems showing first andsecond embodiments respectively of different features of our invention.

The phonographic system shown in Figure 1 is applicable for recording orplayback at the will of the operator. This system comprises anattendants station 10 including a dictating machine and control circuitsand devices, and one or more remote operators stations typically ofidentical form, of which one referred to as 11a is shown in full and twoothers referred to as 11b and 11c are indicated only diagrammatically.

The remote stations are connected to the attendants station through arelay station 12. The connection between each remote station and therelay station consists of four wires referred to by the numbers 13-16inclusive with the sufiix letter of the respective remote station;however, in general reference to these wires they are referred to onlyby their numbers without sufiix letters. As will appear, the Wires 13and 14 are part of a combined communication and D.-C. control circuit,hereinafter referred to simply as a communication circuit and are atpositive and negative potential respectively; and the wires 15 and 16are at times part of an A.-C. signaling circuit and at other times partof a D.-C. control circuit and are in the latter instance at positiveand negative potential respectively. The relay station is connected tothe attendants station by five wires 17-21.

In the relay station there is a relay corresponding to each remotestation referred to by the number 22 with the sufi'ix letter of thatstation, and there is a six-wire bus 23 having wires 24-29 inclusive.Each relay comprises a double-pole double-throw switch referred to bythe number 30 with the corresponding sufiix letter. The negative side ofthe communication circuit for each remote station is connected directlyto the bus wire 24 and this wire is in turn connected directly by thelead wire 17 to the negative side of the D.-C. source provided at theattendants station. The positive side 13 of each communication circuitserially includes the respective relay 22 shunted by audio by-passcondenser C; this side is connected to the bus wire 25 and is in turnconnected directly by the lead wire 18 to the attendants station. Thelead wires 15 and 16 of each remote station are connected respectivelyto the pole members of the respective relay switch 30. These polemembers normally engage contacts connected to the bus wires 27 and 29,and make with contacts connected to the bus wires 26 and 28 when therelay is operated. The bus wires 27 and 29 are connected directly by thelead wires 19 and 20 to the attendants station, and the bus wires 26 and28 are connected by the lead wires 21 and 17 to the attendants station,the wire 17 serving as a common lead wire for both the communication andcontrol circuits. As will appear, whenever an operator at one of theremote stations activates the phonographic system for use, therespective station relay 22 is actuated. Thus, as to remote stationswhich are not in use, the respective wires 15 and 16 are connected tothe attendants station via the lead wires 19 and 20, and as to theremote station in use the wires 15 and 16 are connected to theattendants station via the lead wires 21 and 17. As will appear, in thefirst instance the wires 15 and 16 are part of the signal circuit and inthe latter instance they are part of a D.-C. control circuit.

The dictation machine at the attendants station is only fractionallyshown for the present purposes. It comprises, for example, a recordsupport 31 as for a disc record R, which is driven through a clutch 32by a motor M. The carriage 33, diagrammatically shown, is supportedabove the record and coupled to the turntable by any suitable means wellknown in the art to cause traveling movement thereof across the recordin the direction of the arrow 34 in correspondence with the rotation ofthe turntable. This carriage supports recording and reproducingtranslating means as in the form of separate devices 35 and 36.Typically, the reproducer 36 trails the recorder by a short distance topermit playback of a last portion of the recorded dictation withoutbackspacing the carriage. These devices engage the record simultaneouslybut may be lifted together or selectively from the record by anysuitable mechanism controlled as by a lever 37 on the carriage. Therecord disc may be held on the support 31 by any suitable clamp 380perable as by a lever 39, as known in the art.

The audio circuits of the dictating machine comprise an audiotransformer 40 the primary of which is serially connected in the line 18of the communication circuit. The secondary is connected to switch polemembers 41 of a relay 42. These pole members connect normally tocontacts in a line 43 leading to the recorder 35 and including anamplifier 44. When the relay 42 is operated, the pole members 41 makewith contacts in a line 45 which leads from the reproducer and includesa second amplifier 46. Alternatively, a single amplifier may be used forboth recording and reproducing as is well known in the art. Thus, whenthe relay 42 is in its normal unoperated state, the communicationcircuit is connected to the recorder 35, and when the relay is operatedthe reproducer 36 is connected to the communication circuit.

At each remote station there are a handpiece and suitable manualcontrols for activating the phonographic system and for controlling itsoperation. At station 110, for example, there is a handpiece 47comprising two transducers: the receiver 48 and a microphone ortransmitter 49 of which the latter is preferably of the carbon buttontype. The receiver 48 may be connected across the communication line13a-14a through a condenser 50, r

sistor 51 and on-olf station switch 52. Also, as the station switch 52is closed the carbon button microphone 49 is connected across thecommunication line through a resistor 53. The pole member of thisstation switch is urged into a closed position by a spring 54 but has anextension 55 'On which the handpiece is to be seated whenever thestation is not in use for causing the switch to be then held open by theweight of the handpiecc. Thus, the communication circuit to each remotestation is maintained normally open and is closed only when therespective station is in use.

The communication circuit 1314 has therein a source of direct current atthe attendants station for energizing the carbon button microphone 49and for operating certain control devices hereinafter described. Thissource comprises a full wave rectifier 56 connected through a powertransformer 57, master switch 58, cord 59 and plug 60 to an A.-C. powersource not shown. The amplifiers 44 and 46 are also energized from thispower source via the master switch but such circuit connection need notbe shown for the purposes of the present invention. The entire systemwill therefore be readied for operation whenever the master switch isclosed but will not be activated, as will appear, until one of theremote operators lifts his handpiece from its support.

The output terminals of the rectifier are connected to the communicationlines 17 and 18 through a filter comprising a choke 61 and condenser 62and thence through two control relays 63 and 64. A condenser 65 shuntsthe communication circuit between the relay 64 and the audio transformer40 for by-passing the audio currents past the control relays.

The relays 64 and 63 are adapted to operate respectively atpredetermined lower and higher direct current levels. The lower currentlevel is established whenever any one of the remote station switches isclosed, the circuit being then through the voltage cutdown resistor 53and carbon button microphone 49; also, the respective station relay 22is activated at this lower level of direct current. To establish thehigher current level for operating also the relay 63, a switch 66 isconnected across the resistor 53. As will appear, this switch serves asa startstop control for the machine when conditioned for recording.

In the present application the term operated is used in connection withthe station switches 52 and 66 to mean that they are held in actuatedpositions against their biasing or, in other words, that theirpush-operable members are depressed. Thus, the station switch 52 is openwhen in operated position, and the start-stop switch 66 is closed whenin operated position.

The relay 64 operates three pole members 67, 68 and 69 as represented bythe tie line 64a. The pole members 67 and 68 are both connectable to oneside of the AC. power source through a line 70 and the master switch 58.When the relay 64 is operated, the pole member 68 closes with one sideof the motor M through a line including resistor 71 and rectifier 72.The other side of the motor is connected directly to the other side ofthe power source through a line 73. Thus, whenever both the masterswitch and one of the remote station switches are closed, the motor M isrunning. For filtering purposes, a condenser 74 is connected across themotor.

When both the station switch 52 and start-stop switch 56 are closed, thehigher current level is established to cause the relay 63 to be alsooperated. Operation of this relay causes clutch 32 to be engaged asrepresented by the tie line 63a. Engagement of the clutch 32 causesinstantaneous starting of the record rotation.

The energization of the communication circuit and the starting of themotor M which follows in response thereto is a conditioning of thesystem for immediate start-stop operation and is referred to as anactivation of the system for use.

As the relay 64 is operated to start the motor M, alternating signalcurrent is supplied to each remote station except the station in usethrougha transformer 75 at the attendants station. One side of theprimary of this transformer is connected to the A.-C. power sourcethrough the line 73 and the other side is connected to this sourcethrough the line 76, pole 67 of relay 64 and the line 70. The secondaryof this transformer is connected to the bus wires 27 and 29 through thelead wires 19 and 20. The signal wires 15 and 16 as to all remotestations not in use are connected to the bus wires 27 and 29 through theswitches of the respective relays 22. However, the relay 22 of thestation in use is in an activated condition to cause the signal sourceto be disconnected from this station.

At each remote station there is a signal device, suitably a lamp 77,which is connectable across the signal circuit 15-16 through a resistor78 and switch 79. This switch 79 is tied mechanically by the line 52a tothe station switch 52 for unison operation therewith. The operation issuch that the switch 79 is closed with the lamp 77 when the stationswitch is open, and vice versa. Thus at each station not in use the lamp77 is connected to the signal circuit. A signal light is therefore givenat each remote station not in use to cause the operators at thosestations to be warned against then attempting to use the phonographicsystem.

At the station in use, the switch 79 is broken with respect to the lamp77 and is connected to a line 80 which in turn is connected to polemembers of manual control switches 81 and 82. Manual switch 81 isclosable to short the lines 15 and 16 at the remote station through alead wire 83, and manual switch 82 is closable to connect these lines 15and 16 together through a current cutdown resistor 84. Since the relay22 corresponding to the station in use is in an operated state. thewires 15 and 16 of the station in use are connected to the D.-C. powersource via the bus wires 26 and 28 and the lead wires 17 and 21.However, this connection to the power source is made serially throughtwo control relays 85 and 86. These relays, like the relays 63 and 64,are adapted to operate at predetermined lower and higher levels ofdirect current respectively. When the switch 82 is closed, the lowercurrent level is established by the current cutdown resistor 84 to causeonly the relay 85 to be operated, but when the switch 81 is closed thedirect current connection then established across the lines 15 and 16causes both relays 85 and 86 to be operated.

The relay 85 controls a normally-open single-pole single-throw switch 87and the relay 86 controls a singlepole double-throw switch 88 and asingle-pole singlethrow switch 89. When only the relay 85 is operated, a

power circuit is completed for the playback relay 42.

This circuit is completed from one side of the A.-C. power sourcethrough line 70, resistor 90, rectifier 91 and line 92, and from theother side of the A.-C. power source through line 73, line 93, relayswitch 89, line 94, relay switch 87 and line 95. The operation of relay42 causes the reproducer 36 to be connected through the audiotransformer 40 to the communication circuit. Also, this relay has anoperative connection to the clutch 32, represented by the dash-dot line42a, to cause the clutch to be engaged when the relay is operated. Thus,the machine is conditioned for playback and record rotation is startedwhen the control switch 82 is closed while the handpiece is off of itssupport.

Standard equipment for dictating machines comprises indicating devicesfor making suitable marks or other indications, as on an index slip, incorrespondence with the positioning of the recorder on the record, whichmarks are utilized to aid the transcriber in transcribing the re cordeddictation. These deviceswhich themselves are well known-may be adaptedfor indicating length and corrections, and may be operated by respectivesolenoids 96 and 97. The solenoid 97 is controlled by the relay 86 insuch manner as to cause a pulse actuation thereof whenever the switch 81at the remote station is closed. When the relay 86 is unoperated, acondenser 98 is connected to a D.-C. power source through the line 70,rectifier 91, line 99, relay switch 88 and associated contact 88a,resistor 100, line 93 and line 73. When the relay 86 is operated inresponse to closure of the switch 81, the charged condenser 98 isdisconnected from this power source and connected across the solenoid 97by the relay switch 88 breaking with the contact 88a and making with theassociated contact 88b. The resultant discharge of the condenser 88through the solenoid 97 causes a pulse operation of the relay to make acorrection mark.

An operation of the solenoid 96 for a length mark is adapted to occurwhenever the station switch 52 is opened. When the station switch isclosed, the relay 64 is operated to cause a condenser 101 to beconnected to a D.-C. power source through the line 70, rectifier 91,line 102, switch 69 and associated b contact of relay 64, switch 69 andits associated b contact, line 103, resistor 104 and line 73. As theoperator opens the station switch, the relay 64 moves to unoperatedposition, and the switch 69 is closed with its a contact to connect thecharged condenser 101 across the solenoid 96. This produces a pulseoperation of the solenoid to make a length mark.

The auxiliary control, hereinbefore referred to, for facilitating theuse of one dictating machine from a plurality of remote operatorsstations comprises a singlepole single-throw switch 105. This switch isheld normally open and is positioned in the pathway of the carriage 33so that it will be closed when the carriage reaches a predeterminedposition, as represented diagrammatically by the dash line 106.Typically, this point at which the switch is closed is in the secondhalf portion of the carriage travel, as aforementioned; hence, thisswitch 105 is termed an intermediate end switch. In the present systemthis intermediate end switch need be closed only momentarily, as duringonly the time the carriage is being advanced past the statedintermediate point, in order for the switch to perform its intendedfunction. This is accomplished by the use of a relay 107. As the switch105 is closed, a D.-C. power circuit for this relay is completed throughthe line 70, rectifier 91, line 108, line 109, switch 105 and line 73.As the relay 107 is operated, it closes switches 110 and 111. Switch 110is a holding switch shunting the intermediate end switch 105 through aline 112 and through a manually-openable switch 113 to cause the relay107 to be maintained in operated position so long as the manual switch113 is left in a closed position. The second switch 111 of this relay107 is in an attendants signaling circuit 114. This circuit 114 runsfrom the line 73 to a contact 68a of the switch 68 controlled by themotor-control relay 64, and serially includes not only the switch 111but also a manually-openable switch 115, which is mechanically tied tothe aforementioned manual switch 113 by a tie bar 116, and a buzzer 117and lamp 118 in parallel. Thus, upon the carriage having passed theselected intermediate end position, and upon the manual switch 113-115being in its normally-closed position, power for the buzzer 117 and lamp118 is fed to the contact 68a of the relay 64. If the user shouldthereupon put his handpiece on its support to open the station switch52, the relay 64 returns to unoperated position and the switch 68 makeswith its a contact to complete the buzzer and lamp circuit across theA.-C. power source. This causes a heavy signal to be given to theattendant to warn him that the record should be changed immediately.

The process of removing a record from the machine involves the operationof lever 37 to raise the recorderreproducer from the record andoperation of lever 39 to release the record clamp. After the old recordis removed and the new record put on the turntable, these levers must berestored to their original positions. .Dur-' ing this process ofchanging the record, the attendant will shut off the buzzer 117 byopening the manual switch 113-115. The opening of this switch alsoreleases the relay 107.

It is important to warn the remote operators against attempting to usethe phonographic system during the time that the attendant is changingthe record; also, it is important that the attendant himself he warnedin some mild manner while the translating devices are raised from therecord and the record clamp is released so that he will notinadvertently fail to restore these devices to their normal positionsafter a record is changed. For these purposes a warning signalcomprising an electronic relaxation type oscillator 119 is provided togive a flash signal to the attendant and to feed a warning signal,preferably in the form of a recurring tick sound, to the receivers ofthe remote stations. This oscillator may comprise a dual-triode tube 121of which the grid of the first triode is connected through a condenser122 to the plate of the second and the grid of the second is connectablethrough a condenser 123 to the plate of the first, the grids being alsoconnected through resistors 124 and 125 to a common cathode havingconnection to the ground or negative side represented by the line 73.The plate of the first triode is connected to a B supply by way of alead 126, resistor 127 and rectifier 91, and the plate of the secondtriode is connected through resistors 128 and 129 to the same B supplysource. The resistor 129 is however shunted by a signal lamp 130. Thereare three parallel-connected switches 131, 132 and 133 for connectingthe grid of the second triode to the plate of the first for the purposeof rendering the oscillator operative. Each such grid control switch isassociated I116- chanicaliy with a respective parallel-connected platecircuit control switch; thus, there are plate switches 134, 135 and 136corresponding respectively to the grid switches 131, 132 and 133. Thedual switch 131-134 is nor mally open and is operable by the recordclamp 38 as represented by the dash line 137. Dual switch 132-135 islikewise normally open and is operated by the recordreproduce lever 37as represented by the dash line 138. The dual switch 133-136 is part ofa relay 139 and is closed whenever this relay is not operated.

As the attendant releases the record clamp, the dual switch 131-134 isclosed to start the oscillator 119 and to complete its plate outputcircuit through lead 140, switch 134, condenser 141, primary oftransformer 142, lead 143 and lead 73 to the cathode. The secondary oftransformer 142 is connected by leads 144 to the communication circuit.Thus, the oscillator is put into operation to flash the lamp 130 and tofeed a tick signal to the remote operators receivers whenever the recordclamp is released. The flashing of lamp 130 is for the purpose ofwarning the attendant against inadvertently leaving the record clampreleased, and the tick signal to the remote station receivers is for thepurpose of warning any of the remote operators against then attemptingto use the phonographic system.

As the attendant operates the lever 37 to lift the recorder andreproducer from the record, the dual switch 132-135 is closed toparallel the same connections as are performed by the switch 131-134.Thus, when either the record is unclamped or the recorder and reproduccrare raised, the above-mentioned warning signals are given to theattendant and to the remote operators.

The relay 139 is connected to a D.-C. power source via the rectifier 91and a single-pole double-throw switch 145. This power circuit isnormally closed. Hence, the relay 139 is normally in its operated stateand the switches 133-136 are normally open.

The switch 145 is operable by the carriage 33 as is represented by thedash line 146. However, this is an end switch positioned in the endportion of the path of carriage travel so that it will remain in theposition shown until the carriage reaches nearly the end of its travel,say within thirty seconds of travel time from its end position. As thecarriage is moved gradually through this last thirty-second interval, itmoves the switch from its a to its b contact. As soon as the switchbreaks with its a contact, the relay 139 becomes deenergized and theswitches 133-436 are closed. The closing of switches 133-136 has thesame effect as the closing of either the switches 131-134 or 132-135above described; for instance, it starts the oscillator 119 to flash thelamp 134) and feed the tick signal to the remote station receivers. Thistick signal has a -low level of intensity so that it will not destroythe intelligibility of the dictation being recorded or reproduced, butwill nevertheless inform the operator that he has only a short spaceleft on the record. If the remote operator continues using the machineto the expiration of the end-signaling period, the switch 145 closeswith its b contact to close the power circuit for the relay 147 via therectifier 91, lead 148 and line 73. The relay 147 closes the switch 149connected by leads 150 and 151 across the control relays 63, 64 and thechoke 61. This shorting of these devices in the communication circuitnot only disables the control relays 63 and 64 but also causes a heavyhum signal to be fed into the communication ci cuit. This heavy humsignal apprises the station operator definitely that the machine is in adisabled state. As a natural consequence he will place his handpiece onits support. This will cause the buzzer 117 to start and will apprisethe attendant to change immediately the record. After a short intervalthe remote operator will again pick up his handpiece. If the heavy humis still on, he will know that the attendant has not yet returned thecarriage from its end position, and if the tick signal is still on hewill know that the attendant has not yet restored the record clamp andlowered the recorder and reproducer onto the record. However, as soon asthis tick signal stops, he will know that he can resume his operation ofthe phonographic system.

Although our invention has particular utility in connection with aremotely-controlled phonographic system having a plurality of remoteoperators stations, it will be understood that dilferent features of ourinvention are not necessarily limited in their application tophonographic systems which have either a plurality of operators stationsor operators stations which are remote from the machine itself.

As will appear from the foregoing description, certain primary novelfeatures of our invention reside in the dual signal and D.-C. controlcircuit comprising the interstation connecting wires 15 and 16, and inthe novel intermediate end switch system which requires only momentaryoperation of the switch 105 by the carriage, the advantage of suchmomentary operation being that the load on the carriage for operatingthe system is only a momentary one.

In Figure 2 there is shown a modified form of control circuitarrangement for controlling the phonographic machine from the remotestations. Many of the components of this second embodiment are the sameas in the foregoing, and are given the same reference characters.

In this second embodiment the lead wire connections between each remotestation and the attendants station are substantially the same as beforeexcept that the bus wire 28 of the relay station 12 is no longerconnected to the negative lead 17; instead, it is connected to aseparate lead wire 38 to constitute an additional control circuit, aswill appear. Furthermore, as will appear, the circuit 15-16 is a signalcircuit as to each remote station not in use, but as to a station in usethe lines thereof are connected in common with the negative side 14-17of the communication circuit to provide separate control circuits, oneof which is by way of the lead wires 17 and 21 and the other of which isby way of the lead wires 17 and 38. The machine-activating relay,

now referred-to as 153, is the sole relay at the attendants station incommon with all branches of the communication circuit. When any one ofthe station switches 52 is closed, this relay 153 and the respectivestation relay 22 are both operated. Since only one current level isutilized in the communication circuit, the voltage cutdown resistors 53at the remote stations, which appeared in the foregoing embodiment, arenow removed.

The relay 153 controls two pole members 154 and 155. These pole membersare electrically connectable to one side of the A.C. power sourcethrough the time 70 and the master switch 58. When the relay isoperated, pole member 155 is closed with one side of the motor M. Theother side of the motor is connected through a rectifier 1'56, resistor157 and line 158 to the other side of the A.C. power source. Thus,whenever both the master switch :and one of the remote station switchesare closed, the motor M is running. The start-stop control switch 66 ateach remote station is connected between the interstation lines 14 and15 by way of the station switch 52 and one section 159 of a dual switch160, this dual switch being held normally in the position shown as by aspring 160a. In the normal position if this dual switch, the switchsection 159 is closed. Thus, upon the handpiece being removed from itssupport to cause the station switch 52 to be closed :and the start-stopswitch being in operated position, the branch lines 14 and 15 areinterconnected at the remote station. Since the respective station relay22 is operated while the station switch 52 is.

closed, the respective branch line 15 is connected at the relay station12 to the alttendants station by way of the line 21. Line 17 isconnected directly to the negative side of the D.-C. power'source 56,the same as before, but the line 21 is connected now through a singlerelay 161 to the positive side of this source. The power circuit of therelay 161 is therefore closed when the station switch '52 and start-stopswitch 66 .are closed at the remote station.

Relay 161 controls a single-pole switch 162 and also the clutch 32 asdiagrammatically represented by the tie line 161a. When the relay isoperated, the clutch 32 is engaged and the switch 162 is opened. Sincethe motor M is already running, engagement of the clutch 32 causesinstantaneous starting of record rotation.

An energization of the communication circuit caused by closure of anyone of the station switches 52, and the starting of the motor M whichfollows in response thereto, is a conditioning of the phonographicsystem for immediate start-stop operation and is again referred to as anactivation of the system for use. Furthermore, the term operated is usedagain in connection with the station switch 52 and start-stop switch 66to mean that their push-operable means are in actuated positions.

As the relay 153 is operated to start the motor M, an alternating signalcurrent is applied to each remote station except the station in usethrough the transformer 75 at the attendants station, the same asbefore. One side of the primary of this transformer is connected to oneside of the A.C. power source through the line 158, and the other sideis connected to the other side of this source through the line 163,switch 154 of relay 153, and the line 70. The secondary of thistransformer is connected to the bus wires 27 and 29 through the leadwires 19 and 20. The signal lines 15 and 16 are connected to these buswires 27 and 29, as to all of the remote stations not in use, throughthe switches of the respective station relays 22. However, the relay 22of the station in use is in an operated condition to cause the signalingsource to be disconnected from that station.

At each remote station there is a signal lamp 77 connectable across thesignal circuit 15-16 through a resistor 78 and switch 79. Switch 79 isconnected mechanically to station switch 52'for unison operationtherewith as represented by the tie line 52a. The switch 79 is closed toconnect the lamp 77 across the signal circuit when the station switch 52is open, and vice versa. Thus, at each station not in use the lamp 77 isconnected to the signal circuit. A signal light is therefore given ateach remote station not in use when the system is in an activatedcondition.

A dual manual switch 172 is provided at each remote station forconditioning the machine for reproducing and for simultaneously engagingthe clutch 32 to put the machine in operation for playback. This dualswitch 172 comprises one switch section 173 for interconnecting thelines 14 and 15 and another switch section 174 for concurrentlyinterconnecting the lines 14 and 16 as the dual switch is operated fromits biased position established as by a spring 175. Closure of the lines14 and 15 engages the clutch 32 to start record rotation as hereinbeforedescribed. Closure of the lines 14 and 16 is to supply power to a relay165 connected in the line 38. This line 38 is connected at one end tothe positive terminal of the D.-C. power source 56 and is connected atthe other end through the bus wire 28 and respective station relay 22(in view of the station switch 52 being closed and the station relaybeing therefore operated) to the line 16. Since the negative terminal ofthe power source 56 is connected permanently to the line 14, operationof the dual switch 172 closes the power circuit of the relay 165 tocause the relay to operate. This relay comprises a double-throw switch166 and a single-throw switch 167. When the relay 165 is operated, D.-C.operating power is supplied to the conditioning relay 42 by way of theline 158, resistor 168, rectifier 169, lines 170 and 171, switch 167 andline 70. The resultant operation of the relay 42 causes the reproducer36 to be connected through the audio transformer 40 to the communicationcircuit wherefore to condition the machine for reproducing. Thus, as thedual control switch 172 is operated while the handpiece is removed fromits support, the machine is conditioned for reproducing and recordrotation is started to enable playback of the recorded dictation.

As in the previous embodiment, indexing solenoids 96 and 97 are providedfor making length and correction marks for the use of the transcriber.The solenoid 97 is controlled jointly by the relays 161 and 165 in suchmanner that a pulse actuation thereof occurs as the relay 165 isoperated while the relay 161 is in an unoperated position. In order tooperate the relay 165 and assure at the same time that the relay 161will not be operated, there is provided at each remote station the dualswitch having the aforementioned switch section 159 for openingpositively the lines 14 and 15 and having further a switch section 164for closing the lines 14 and 16 as the dual switch is operated againstits biasing spring 160a. When the relay 165 is in unoperated position,as shown, a condenser 176 is charged via line 158, rectifier 169, line177, relay switch 166, resistor 178, and lines 179 and 70. As the relay165 is operated, the condenser 176 is con nected across the solenoid 97via the line 177, switch 166, line 180, switch 162 and lines 181 and170. The resultant discharge of the condenser 176 to the solenoid 97causes a pulse operation thereof to make a correction mark. The purposeof the switch 162 controlled by the relay 161 is to prevent a correctionmark from being made when both relays 161 and 165 are operatedsimultaneously by the dual switch 172 for playback.

A pulse operation of the solenoid 96 for a length mark occurs each timethe station switch 52 is opened. When the station switches are open therelay 153 is in unoper-. ated position and the switch 155 thereof isclosed to cause the solenoid 96 to be connected to a D.-C. power sourcethrough condenser 182 via a line 70, switch 155, condenser 182, line170, rectifier 169, resistor 168 and line 158.'

This causes the condenser 182 to be charged and the solenoid to be pulseactuated. As the operator closes the station switch, the relay 153 isoperated to open the charging circuit of the condenser 182. Thecondenser thereupon discharges gradually through a resistor 183'connected in parallel with the solenoid and condenser. Since thisdischarge takes place at a relatively slow rate the solenoid is notactuated thereby. The discharge of the condenser does, however, allow apulse actuation of the solenoid 96 again when the station switch is nextopened.

The embodiments of our invention hereinabove described are intended tobe illustrative and not necessarily limitative of our invention sincethe same are subject to changes and modifications without departure fromthe scope of our invention as set forth in the following claims.

We claim:

1. In a phonographic system including an attendants station having aphonographic machine and sources of direct and alternating current, andan operators station including a transducer and an on-otf stationswitch: the combination of dual circuits interconnecting said operatorsand attendants stations, one of said dual circuits being controlled bysaid station switch and rendered closed when said station switch is inon position; means to cause said phonographic machine to be activatedfor use when said one circuit is closed; means normally connecting saidalternating source of current to the other of said dual circuits; andmeans in said one circuit including switch means in said other circuitand responsive to movement of said station switch to on position forshifting the connection of the other circuit from said alternating tosaid direct current source.

2. The combination set forth in claim 1 including a signal device atsaid operators station normally connected to said other circuit forenergization by said alternating current source when the operatorsstation is not in use; and means controlled by said station switch fordiscon necting said signal device from said other circuit as saidphonographic machine is activated.

3. The combination set forth in claim 1 including a plurality of saidoperators stations and respective dual circuits interconnecting theoperators stations and said attendants station to enable the use of thephonographic machine from any one of said operators stations; asignaling device at each of said operators stations; means at each ofsaid operators stations normally efiective to hold the respectivestation switch in ofi position; and means controlled by each of saidstation switches for connecting and disconnecting the respective signaldevice into and out of the respective dual circuits as the stationswitch is moved to off and on positions.

4. The combination set forth in claim 1 including means at saidoperators station for changing the current level in said other circuit.

5. In a phonographic system including an attcndants station having aphonographic machine, and a plurality of operators stations eachincluding a transducer and operable control switches for said machine:the combination of first and second circuits leading from each of saidoperators stations for connecting said control switches and transducersto said attendants station to enable use of said phonographic machinefrom the operators stations; an electrically-operable control deviceconnected in common with said first circuits and effective upon closureof any one of said first circuits at an operators station for activatingsaid phonographic machine for use; second and thirdelectrically-operable control devices for said machine at saidattendants station adapted to operate at difierent predetermined currentlevels; means responsive to said closure of one of said first circuitsfor connecting the respective one of said second circuits to said secondand third control devices; means for supplying current to said secondcircuits; and means at each of said operators stations for changing thecurrent level in the respective second circuit for selectivelycontrolling said second and third control devices.

6. The combination set forth in claim 5 including means at each of saidoperators stations for closing and 12 opening the respective firstcircuit at will; and means connected to said last-stated means fordisabling the respective current-level-changing means as the respectivefirst circuit is opened.

7. In a phonographic system having an attendant's station having aphonographic machine, and an operators station including a transducerand operable controls for said machine: the combination of two circuitsinterconnecting said operators and attendants stations to enable use ofsaid phonographic machine from said operators station; means forsupplying current to one of said circuits; control devices in said onecircuit adapted to operate at difierent predetermined current levels;operable means in said one circuit at said operators station forselectively establishing said different predetermined current levcls;and a relay in said one circuit including switch means in the other ofsaid circuits and operable at one of said predetermined current levelsin said one circuit for changing the connection of said other circuitwith respect to said machine.

8. In a phonographic system including an attendant's station having aphonographic machine, and a plurality of operators stations eachincluding a transducer and operable controls for said machine: thecombination of dual circuits leading from said operators stationsrespectively to said attendants station for enabling use of saidphonographic machine from each of said operators stations; means forsupplying direct current to one of each of said dual circuits; controldevices at said attendants station connected in common with said one ofeach of said dual circuits and adapted to operate at different currentlevels respectively, one of said control devices being adapted foractivating said phonographic machine; a signaling device at each of saidoperators stations normally connected to the other of the respectivedual circuits; means for supplying alternating current to each of saidother of said dual circuits; :1 first control switch at each of saidoperators stations operable to close said one of the respective dualcircuits to establish one of said current levels effective to causeactivation of said phonographic machine; a further control device forsaid machine at said attendant's station; a relay in said one of each ofsaid dual circuits having switch means in the other of the respectivedual circuits and operable at said one current level for disconnectingsaid other of the respective dual circuits from said alternating currentsupplying means and connecting the same to said further control devicevia said direct current supplying means; a second control switch at eachof said operators stations for controlling said further control device;and means at each operators station connected to the respective one ofsaid first switches and etfective as the latter is closed for shiftingthe connection of the respective other circuit from said signalingdevice to the respective second control switch.

9. In a remotely-controlled phonographic system comprising anattendant's station including a phonographic machine having a movablerecord-supporting device, a translating device, means mounting one ofsaid devices for traveling movement relative to the other and drivemeans for moving said record-supporting device and for concurrentlyeflfecting traveling movement of said one device: the combination of aremote operator's station including a transducer and an on-ofi stationswitch for said system; interstation circuit means controlled by saidstation switch for connecting said transducer to said attendants stationwhen said station switch is closed; a control switch operable by saidone device into closed position as said one device is advanced to apredetermined point in its path of travel; a first relay; an energizingcircuit for said relay including said control switch to cause the relayto be operated as said one device reaches said predetermined point; aholding circuit for maintaining said first relay in operated position; asecond relay controlled by said on-otI station switch; signaling meansat said attendants station comprising a signaling circuit and includingswitches of both said first and second relays to cause the signalcircuit to be closed only when said station switch is in ofl positionand said first relay is in operated position; and a switch in saidholding circuit at said attendants station operable to release saidfirst relay whereby to open said signaling circuit.

10. In a remotely-controlled phonograph system including an attendantsstation having a phonographic machine operable in connection with amoving record: the combination of a plurality of remote stations eachincluding a signaling device, an on-ofi station switch for said machineand a conditioning control for said machine; circuit means between eachof said remote stations and said attendants station comprising a firstcircuit connecting said station switch to said machine and a secondcircuit connecting said signaling device to said machine; means in eachof said first circuits at said machine operable upon closure of any oneof said first circuits by the respective station switch for placing themachine in condition for start-stop operation and for supplying power toeach of said second circuits; electrically-operable conditioning meansfor said machine; and means responsive to closure of said one of saidfirst circuits by said respective station switch for connecting therespective one of said second circuits to said conditioning means viasaid conditioning control.

11. The combination set forth in claim including switch means at eachremote station mechanically connected to the respective station switchfor connecting and disconnecting the respective conditioning controlfrom the respective second circuit respectively as said station switchis moved to close and open the respective first circuit.

12. In a remotely-controlled phonographic system: the combination of anattendants station including a source of signal current and aphonographic machine having an audio circuit; a plurality of remoteoperators stations each including a transducer, an on-ofi station switchand a signal device; a branch communication circuit leading from each ofsaid remote stations and controlled by the respective station switch forconnecting the respective transducer to said audio circuit when thestation switch is closed; a branch signal circuit leading from each ofsaid remote stations for connecting the respective signal device to saidcurrent source; and means responsive to said station switchesrespectively as a station switch is closed for disconnecting said signalsource from the respective branch signal circuit at said attendantsstation and for disconnecting the respective signal device from therespective branch signal circuit at the remote station.

13. In a remotely-controlled phonographic system: the combination of anattendants station including a source of signal current and aphonographic machine having an audio circuit; a plurality of remoteoperators stations each including a transducer, an on-ofl station switchand a signal device; a branch communication circuit leading from each ofsaid remote stations and controlled by the respective station switch forconnecting the respective transducer to said audio circuit when thestation switch is closed; a branch signal circuit leading from each ofsaid remote stations for connecting the respective signal device to saidcurrent source; means for supplying energizing current to said branchcommunication circuits; a relay in each of said branch communicationcircuits operable by energizing current from said supplying means whenthe respective station switch is closed; switch means controlled by saidrelays respectively and connected in the respective branch signalcircuit for disconnecting said signal source from said respective branchsignal circuit when the respective station switch is closed; and meansat each remote operators station controlled by the respective stationswitch for disconnecting the respective signal device from therespective branch signal circuit as the station switch is closed.

14. In a phonographic system including an attendants station having aphonographic machine, and a plurality of operators stations eachincluding a signal device, an onoff station switch for said machine, andoperable controls for said machine: the combination of circuit meansbetween each of said remote stations and said attendants stationcomprising a first circuit controlled by the respective station switchand a second circuit serially including the respective signal device;means for supplying power to each of said first and second circuits;means in each of said first circuits and operable upon closure of anyone of said station switches for activating said machine for use;electrical control devices for said machine at said attendants station;one electrical relay in each of said first circuits including switchmeans in each line of the respective second circuit and operable uponclosure of the first circuit for connecting the lines of the secondcircuit through respective ones of said control devices to one line ofthe first circuit; and switch means at each of said remote stationsoperable to complete a circuit connection of said one line to the linesof said second circuit selectively.

15. In a phonographic system including a phonographic machine having amovable support for a record, record-cooperable translating means, powermeans for effecting record rotation and for concurrently eifectingtraveling movement between said record and translating means, audiocircuits connected to said translating means, and a recordreproduceswitch for conditioning said audio circuit for recording on andreproducing from said record: the combination of indexing means formaking indicating marks in corresponding relation to the positioning ofsaid translating means with respect to said record; operating means forsaid record-reproduce switch; means to cause a pulse actuation of saidindexing means as said audio circuits are shifted to reproducingcondition; and common control means for said operating means and saidindex-activating means.

16. In a phonographic system comprising an attendants station includinga phonographic machine having a movable record support, a drive motor,means for coupling said motor to said support, and selective means forconditioning said machine for recording and reproducing: the combinationof a plurality of remote operators stations including a transducer, asignal device, and an on-off station switch for said machine; acommunication circuit leading from each of said remote stations andadapted for connecting the respective transducer to the audio circuit ofsaid machine via the respective station switch when said switch isclosed; an activating relay for said machine connected in common witheach of said communication circuits and operable on closure of any oneof said station switches for causing said motor to be started; a signalcircuit leading from each of said signal devices to said machine andcontrolled by said activating relay to cause energization of said signalcircuits as said machine is activated for use; a start-stop relay atsaid machine for controlling said coupling means; a conditioning relayat said machine for controlling said selective means; a station relayfor each of said remote stations connected in the respectivecommunication circuit for operation as the re spective station switch isclosed and including switch means in each line of the respective signalcircuit; circuit means controlled by each of said station relays forconnecting the lines of the respective signal circuit through saidstart-stop and conditioning relays respectively to one side of therespective communication circuit; and switch means at each of saidremote stations selectively operable for connecting the other side ofsaid respective communication circuit to the separate lines of saidsignal circuit respectively and to both of them concurrently.

17. In a remotely-controlled phonographic system: the combination of anattendants station including a source of signal current and aphonographic machine having an audio circuit; a plurality of remoteoperators stations each including a transducer, an on-olf station switchand a signal device; a branch communication circuit leading from each ofsaid remote stations and controlled by the respective station switch forconnecting the respective transducer to said audio circuit when thestation switch is closed; a branch signal circuit between each of saidremote stations and said attendants station for connecting therespective signal device to said signal source; means for supplyingcurrent to said branch communication circuit; an electrically-operablecontrol device for said machine at said attendants station; a controlswitch at each of said remote stations for said control device; andmeans responsive to said station switches respectively as any one ofsaid station switches is closed for connecting the respective branchsignal circuit to said control device at said attendants station and forshifting connection of said respective branch signal circuit from therespective signal device to the respective control switch at therespective remote station.

18. In a phonographic system including an attendants station having aphonographic machine, and an operators station including a transducerand an on-off station switch: the combination of a first circuitinterconnecting said attendants and operators stations and controlled bysaid station switch to cause the circuit to be closed when the stationswitch is in on position; means to cause said phonographic machine to beactivated for use when said first circuit is closed; a second circuitinterconnecting said attendants and operators stations; means forsupplying current to said second circuit; a signal device at said operators station; a control switch for said phonographic machine at saidoperators station; and means controlled according to the positioning ofsaid station switch for alternatively connecting said signal device andcontrol switch in said second circuit as said station switch is movedbetween off and on" positions.

19. The combination set forth in claim 18 including means for changingthe current level in said second circuit; and control devices for saidphonographic machine in said second circuit differentlycurrent-sensitive for selective response according to the current levelin said second circuit.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,066,672 Berard et a1. Jan. 5, 1937 2,277,207 Chenoweth et a1 Mar. 24,1942 2,305,681 Dunning Dec. 24, 1942 2,333,235 Clausen Nov. 2, 19432,366,956 Clausen Jan. 9, 1945

